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Cree8 will be hosting a Two Day Rattle Making Workshop – April 11 & 12, 2026History of Rattles
Rattles have been used in ceremony, performance and personally by Indigenous people across Turtle Island. The sound of the rattle reminds us of the healing power of rain, chaos of the Storm, the nurturing and life giving Nature of Water, and the power contained in each and every one of us. Traditionally, rattles would be filled with rocks, precious stones, shells, seeds and sometimes teeth or small bones to create the sound within. Rattles were often used to pray for and honour the Rains for the sound and connection between Earth and Sky. In gentle or healing ceremony, elders and medicine people would sometimes opt for the Rattle in place of the drum for gentle healing for Women and Children. Women, in some traditions, would carry the Rattle in place of the Drum on their Moon Time or if their teachings passed the Drum onto the men.
Location:
Cree8 Calgary
220 Hawkwood Boulevard NW
Calgary, AB
Details:
We will begin each day with a traditional welcome, smudge and blessing of all materials, tools and the Rattles. Chantal will be your guide, instructing how to create your Rattle step by step. Chantal will share the history and stories of the rattle and the teachings of the Medicine Wheel. We will learn Traditional Water and Healing songs to accompany and use our rattles for healing in a good way.
Day One
Saturday, April 11, 2026
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sewing the Rattles, Filling with sand, allowing to dry overnight.
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Day Two
Sunday, April 12, 2026
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Carving Sticks, Attach Rattle Heads, Decorating & Completing Rattles.
Smudge and Bless Rattles. Share songs and stories.
Materials:
Rawhide – Deer, Elk, Moose, or Buffalo for the Rattle Heads
Sinew – For Stitching
Sand – For filling and shaping Rattles.
Sticks – Different sizes and types of wood to choose from.
Stones & Sea Shells – Internal Sound & Percussion
Paint & Sealer for Finishing
You are welcome to bring your own sticks, stones, seeds, ribbons, leather or additional items of significance to personalize and decorate your rattle.
Payment:
We humbly request $50/Person for instruction and materials.
Children are $30 with a registered adult.
*Now accepting 20% Calgary Dollars ($10 Calgary Dollars + $40 Federal Dollars)
Please pre-register Online Below
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By Email Transfer: [email protected]
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We also accept cheque or money order, mail or drop off to:
Chantal Chagnon
220 Hawkwood Blvd NW
Calgary, Alberta
T3G 3E8
If you would like to make payment arrangements, or need sponsorship to attend – or – If you would like to donate in full or part to give someone the opportunity to attend, your generous gift would be very much appreciated. For additional information or to register, please contact;
Chantal Chagnon
[email protected]
403–404–7664
*We will have coffee, tea, water, juice, and snacks. Let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
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Event Venue
Cree8 Calgary, 220 Hawkwood Blvd NW, Calgary, AB T3G 3E8, Canada
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